If you run a coffee shop, then you know that success isn’t just about serving an amazing cup of joe. There are a lot of intangible factors that can truly make or break you – such as interior design. Since Friends debuted in 1994, we have all come to look for certain elements, like comfy seating, funky mugs, and space to relax.
Of course, a lot has changed in terms of decor trends since 1994. While comfortable furniture is still a must, there are a lot of other features (like free Wifi) that we have all come to expect. While you shouldn’t follow design trends too closely – because they will go out of style! – familiarizing yourself with what’s hot in coffee shop interior design trends can keep your business going strong.
Below, we have highlighted the top 12 coffee shop design trends for 2024. If you’re interested in freshening up your look, these trends are a great place to find inspiration. When you’re ready to take your branding to the next level, reach out to Budget Branders for a free quote on custom printed disposable coffee cups, sleeves, bags, and more.
Image Courtesy Of Daria Shevtsova
Trend One: A Wall Fit for Social Media Snaps
While the preferred platform may change, there is no denying that social media is king in the U.S. 70% of all Americans use some form of social media, with even higher numbers for younger demographics.
Business owners can and should take advantage of our social media addiction. When customers take pics or videos at your coffee shop or tag you in a post, it serves as a form of free advertising. One of the best and most cost-effective ways to make people want to share pictures and videos of your coffee shop is to have a unique feature – like an accent wall.
There are a number of different ways to set up a social media friendly wall. You might buy some custom neon, set up a flower or ivy wall, or simply pick out a super cool wallpaper to add visual interest. Just make sure that there is enough space for patrons to take pics, and watch as your social media hits (and hopefully, your sales) soar.
Trend Two: Local Art
In the past, coffee shop decor might have featured things like coffee cups or even word art. In 2024, those trends feel pretty stale. If you want to keep your art fresh and exciting, consider featuring local art instead.
You can do this in one of two ways. You can simply buy pieces that speak to you and fit your coffee shop decor. This is a great way to add personality and create visual interest.
Alternatively, you can turn your coffee shop into a gallery of sorts that features a rotating collection of local artists. Customers can check out the art and even buy a piece, which is a big benefit to the artists. At the same time, you’ll benefit by having unique art that changes regularly. You can even focus on certain types of art and artists to take advantage of things like Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI) – and to put the spotlight on artists of color in your community.
Trend Three: Cool Tabletops
When it comes to decorating your coffee shop, you may have only considered what you can put on the walls. In reality, almost any aspect of your decor can be part of your overall design scheme – including table tops.
Remember: customers love to take pictures of their food and drinks to post on social media. Having a cool tabletop that enhances these pictures may encourage people to take more pics. Consider tables with neutral tones that provide contrast while allowing your food and beverages to shine.
Image Courtesy of Jonathan Borba
Trend Four: Great Lighting
Setting the mood for your coffee shop involves a lot more than just having the right furniture. You should also carefully consider your lighting. Whether you want a dimmer, moodier setting, or a bright and vibrant light scheme, having the right kind of lights can be a key part of your overall interior design.
Lighting should be based in part on the architecture of your shop. If you’re tucked away in a small space in a line of buildings, you probably can’t bring in too much natural lighting – so you may want to focus on lamps that up the cozy vibe. Alternatively, if you have large, floor-to-ceiling windows, you can focus on that feature and really play off of it with things like plants.
Trend Five: A Mini Library
Coffee shops are unique in the hospitality industry because people often go there just to relax and unwind. They may hang out for hours, having a drink, chatting with other patrons, or working. You can boost your image as a place to hang out by creating an inviting atmosphere.
Consider adding a bookshelf with great vintage books or even the latest book club picks for your customers to enjoy. You can also add board games, a chess set, or other games that will encourage your customers to view your shop as a gathering spot.
Trend Six: Vintage Finds
When you go to a chain restaurant, coffee shop, or even a hotel, there is usually a certain kind of corporate blandness. The furniture is all relatively new, neutral, and kind of boring. When you own your own coffee shop, you don’t have to stick to what some corporate overlord tells you to buy – you can pick whatever makes you happy.
One of the best coffee shop interior design trends in 2024 is vintage everything. While you probably don’t want vintage kitchen equipment, you can purchase cool posters, art, furniture and more from second-hand stores. It’ll help you create a unique atmosphere that sets you apart from cookie cutter coffee shops – and it will almost certainly be less expensive than buying brand new furniture and decor.
Trend Seven: Unique Chairs and Seating
Oversized chairs have long been popular in coffee shops, and for good reason: they’re comfortable! But your coffee shop doesn’t have to stick to that standard. There are lots of different types of seating that are more unique.
For example, if you have the space for it, a rocking chair or two could be great seating options. You may also look for chaises, couches, and benches that fit your theme and look good. Vintage finds – like mid-century modern arm chairs – could boost the funky vibe of your coffee shop while still offering a comfy place to enjoy your coffee.
Trend Eight: Gorgeous Displays
One of the most underlooked areas in coffee shop design is the food and beverages that you serve. Putting up shelves to display your favorite beans and teas is an easy way to add some visual interest to your shop.
If you serve food – such as pastries – you can use the pastry case to your advantage. A well-organized pastry case can be both stunning and enticing. Think about creative ways that you can display your pastries – such as setting up cupcakes on tiered stands – that will encourage customers to take pictures…and to place an order!
Trend Nine: Beautiful Bathrooms
We tend to think of bathrooms as utilitarian spaces – it just needs to have the right equipment and be relatively clean. But when you carry your interior design into your bathroom, it creates a little something extra that customers will truly appreciate. They may even take pictures of themselves in your gorgeous bathroom!
The actual design of your bathroom will depend on space, budget, and other considerations. Think about adding a vibrant wallpaper, a cool mirror, or even some unique art and plants.
Image Courtesy Of Kampus Production
Trend Ten: Open Kitchens
If you have the space for it, letting your customers see your kitchen as you work is a great design trend. Let’s face it – coffee shop equipment is actually pretty cool-looking. Customers also love to be able to see exactly what you’re doing, and that your kitchen is clean and well-organized.
Trend Eleven: Go for a Theme
Most coffee shops have a theme of some sort, even if it’s just “eclectic.” Customers often expect a more unique experience when they go to a coffee shop – which gives you greater freedom to play around with something funky, cool, and/or memorable.
Consider something that is important to you – like a favorite book, TV show, movie, artist, or song. Could your favorite thing somehow be translated into a theme? For example, if you are a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland, you could do a “through the looking glass” theme. Choosing an interesting theme can make it easy to find decor that helps you stand out from the crowd.
Image Courtesy Of Helena Lopes
Trend Twelve: Offer a Variety of Seating Options
People go to coffee shops for a variety of reasons, from spending some time alone with a cup of coffee and a book to meeting up with a group to study for finals. The best coffee shop designs reflect this reality.
In 2024 and beyond, your coffee shop should offer both larger tables for groups as well as more intimate seating that offers a bit more privacy. This design trend is incredibly practical, as it will increase the likelihood that more people view your shop as a destination.
Level Up with Budget Branders
Running a coffee shop can be a challenge. Budget Branders makes one aspect of it easy. We offer a full range of custom-printed disposable products to make your logo, slogan, and name shine.
As an independently-owned business, we know firsthand the pressures associated with being an entrepreneur. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for our customers to get the high quality products that they need at prices and in quantities that make sense for them. Our design team will work directly with you to help you get the best look for your cups, coffee sleeves, take-out bags and more.
Want to learn more? Press the live chat button or fill out our online contact form to request a quote for custom branded disposable products. You can also hit the chat button to speak to someone about a quote for your business.
